Green Buildings of San Mateo County

San Mateo County Youth Services Center

San Mateo County Youth Services Center

The San Mateo County Youth Services Center was faced with special challenges considering their purpose as a secured detention facility. Instead of conforming to the orthogonal geometries typical of facilities of this type, the Youth Services Center has been designed as an educational grounds incorporated into the local hillside topography. Utilizing empirical studies showing that natural daylight can improve health and well-being, most of the rooms receive abundant natural light. Despite the restrictions placed on the design due to the purpose of the building, this project demonstrates that sustainable elements can be integrated into these projects and even support their goals.

Green Building Details:

  • Site design included expanding habitat for endangered plant species and wildlife through restoration and natural landscaping
  • Buildings were designed with existing contours in mind to minimize grading and impact to the environment
  • Over 75% of the construction debris was recycled and the old building had many items removed for reuse, such as the safety glass, appliances, fencing and locks before the demolition debris was taken for sorting and recycling
  • Used Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber for wood framing
  • Play field is artificial turf made from recycled tires to avoid significant water demand
  • Five lane running track is primarily made of recycled rubber from athletic shoes
  • Buildings are expected to have energy costs ranging from 20-35% lower than comparable buildings
  • An energy-saving central cogeneration plant efficiently provides electricity, hot water and chilled water to the complex
  • Utilized light color EnergyStar roofing that reflects heat to reduce the heat island effect
  • Clerestory windows provide abundant natural light into the interior of the building
    • San Mateo County Youth Services Center
  • The site of the old building will be reclaimed to a natural state with a garden to be maintained by the resident youth
  • Landscaping uses drought tolerant plantings
  • Low flow plumbing fixtures have reduced building water usage by over 30%
  • Painted with low or no-VOC, formaldehyde-free paints, stains and adhesives
  • Used low VOC, recycled content carpets
  • Raised floor system in primary office area allows for reconfiguration without needing to completely remodel Electric vehicles will be used for on-site transportation and operation activities, which reduce local air pollution
  • The outside lighting is designed to provide safety and security and to reduce potential light pollution in the area

Project Team:
Architect: KMD Architects
Builder: Herrero Contractors, Inc.